Abcde Schema

ABCDE Approach in Acute Care Scenarios

Introduction

In emergency medical settings, swift and effective assessment is crucial for patient care. The ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) approach provides a systematic framework for evaluating and stabilizing acutely unwell patients.

Assessment Procedure

While the ABCDE process is often described in a linear manner, in practice, it is performed simultaneously. The initial handover includes the patient's name, age, background, and presenting symptoms. Starting with the airway, clinicians ensure patency and adequacy of oxygenation. This is followed by evaluation of breathing, assessing respiratory rate, depth, and any signs of distress. Circulation stability is checked for pulse, capillary refill time, and blood pressure.